Black Boys & Men Symposium to be hosted in Battle Creek; board encouraged to attend

Board staff reported that the fourth annual Black Boys & Men Symposium will take place in Battle Creek June 10–12 (dates cited in discussion as June 10–12) and described it as a professional-learning opportunity that previously has been held at Grand Valley State University.

The presenter said the conference organizers invited Battle Creek because of longstanding district partnerships and that the district will send staff; board members are welcome to attend and may cover their own expenses or be added to a roster that the district can support. Trustees asked for clarification about location and costs and were told to email Kawita to register.

Why it matters: The symposium is positioned in the transcript as a regional equity- and leadership-focused professional development event; bringing it to Battle Creek gives local educators and leaders increased access to sessions and networking that staff described as hard to quantify but influential.